FAQ
Why did you create the St. Petersburg Distance Classic VINTAGE VIRTUAL?
When we announced the cancellation of our in-person St. Petersburg Distance Classic in January, several registered athletes asked if they could earn their finisher medal virtually, so we decided to set it up.
Here is a broad statement about our St. Petersburg "Social" Distance Classic, which will answer many of your questions before you even ask them:
This is YOUR Virtual Run - you set your goal, you complete your routes, on your schedule, and on your pace. It is based entirely on the honor system, meaning you are NOT required to send us photos or any other records of your tracking devices. At the end of the day, it is up to each athlete to earn their bragging rights and the pride to wear their finisher medal, take a selfie, and share it with their friends.
Do I need to run the entire distance at the same time?
We encourage athletes to complete the distance in one outing. However, as this is a virtual run created to provide some extra motivation, athletes can complete their mileage in one day or in multiple days. That way, there is more appeal for a larger group of athletes. Some experienced athletes will be comfortable running the entire distance in one effort. For others, the total mileage might be a weekly goal, and for some people just starting out, or coming off an injury, 1 mile per day is a laudable goal. Earning these finisher medals is truly up to each individual.
How do I track my distance?
Tracking your distance is up to you. Use your favorite fitness device, your car, or on-line aps such as www.MapMyRun. As long as you’re on your own two feet – running, walking, on a treadmill, on a trail or track, walking your dog – all miles are good miles.
Do I need a GPS tracker (Garmin, Strava, etc.) to participate?
Fitness devices will make your tracking easier and generally more precise, but they are not necessary for our purposes since the miles you enter on this site are on the honor system.
Can I walk?
Yes, absolutely, miles are miles. This is a walker-friendly event. We encourage participants of all ages and abilities.
Can I ride my bicycle and count them as miles?
No, sorry, if it includes wheels, it doesn’t count, unless you are a wheelchair athlete planning to complete the entire distance in your wheelchair.
Can I “double-dip” and use mileage from another race during my registered time-span?
Yes, for our purposes, that counts, but ultimately, it is completely up to you!
How do I report my miles?
You can enter your miles and time at this website, using the "Results" tab at the top of this page. You can upload a GPX, FIT, or TCX file. Or post your mileage manually.
SWAG
Are all the medals the same?
You will earn your choice of "vintage" finisher medals from either of the first two years from our St. Petersburg Distance Classic. Each medal was designed to feature sunshine and water in an artistic representation, which showcase what St. Petersburg is all about.
Why are you offering vintage virtual medals from previous years?
Due to the cancellation of this year's live race, we did NOT order any new awards, nor shirts for this virtual event. Thus, we are offering vintage medals from our first two years.
Are all the shirts the same?
Similarly to the medal situation described above, we did NOT order new shirts for this virtual event. AND since we do not have any St. Petersburg specific vintage shirts, we are offering TWO high quality shirts from our previous races. They will NOT be from our St. Petersburg Distance Classic.
Are the bibs the same for each event?
Kinda - the design is the same, but modified for each individual event.
SHIPPING
When will I receive my virtual package?
We anticipate being able to send out packages on each Tuesday and Saturday until all packages are shipped.
DONATIONS
We are accepting donations for our non-profit Running Starfish Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization recognized by the IRS on August 16, 2019. Accordingly, “Donors can deduct contributions they make to you under IRC Section 170.”
Our plan is to distribute these donations during these challenging times to support those who support our races. The following lost irreplaceable income with the cancelation of our spring races at the last minute:
• Micro-grants, no greater than $500 each, directly to our loyal, freelance, contracted race crew members who work hard to make our races happen
• Donations to several small local and loyal non-profits who provide volunteers to our races
Should donations exceed our expectations, we reserve the right to add new non-profit organizations for distribution of funds.
On behalf of those individuals and non-profits we seek to support, THANK YOU!
